Born October 22, 1932, Darwin grew up in Union, MS. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18 and proudly served in the Korean War aboard the USS George Clymer & Henrico receiving the National Defense Service, Good Conduct, Korean Service and United Nations Service medals. He fell in love with Carol Terrell and the two were married in 1956. He went on to East Central Community College and worked for Vickers-Eaton Aerospace, an innovator in the aerospace industry, for 30 years before retiring in 1992. He was a long-time member of Pearl United Methodist Church where he served as lay leader, trustee, and choir member. A loving, devoted father, he enjoyed gardening, fishing, woodworking (hand-crafting toys and swings for family and friends), and spending time with his 12 grandkids and great grandkids — who will remember their “Da” for his sweet spirit and signature sense of humor. He was loved by all, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. A lifelong servant to country, community, and family.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carol Rigdon; his sister, Alfa Gilmore; two daughters, Pam (Mel) McLeod and Joy (Steve) Ming; one son, Tim Rigdon; six grandchildren— Ami (Jody) Davis, Ashlie (Dru) Garland, Joshua (Hannah) Ming, Cayman Rigdon, Whitney Rigdon and Zane Rigdon; six great grandchildren— Hunter (Brooke) Davis, Caden Davis, Leif Ming (preceded in death), Magazine Garland, Clementine Ming and Emmett Ming; plus one great-great-grandson son on the way— Hunter Briggs Davis; and his constant canine companion Shug.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Marshall Rigdon and Elsie Holt Rigdon; his six siblings; Verna McDade, Lavonia Russell, Denver Rigdon, Ilene Reece, Duvall Rigdon and Sula Williamson.
The family will receive friends from 2:00pm until 4:00pm on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. The service will follow at 4:00pm in the funeral home chapel. Officiating clergyman will be Dr. Jason Bird and Rev. Milton Coon. Serving as pallbearers are Joshua Ming, Hunter Davis, Caden Davis, Cayman Rigdon, Zane Rigdon and Reed Terrell. Burial services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, January 22, 2024, at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baldwinleepearl.com for the Rigdon family.
